Ferguson On The Money In Striker Department

Sir Alex Ferguson is a genius at is getting the right blend of strikers for his Manchester United side.

Whether its movement, flair, finishing or all of the aforementioned, the Red Devils always seem to have strikers with different styles he can turn to when in need or a goal, craft or a moment of brilliance.

What he has in his striking ranks at the moment is versatility and six strikers that have what it takes to change a game, which is what champions’ desire.

Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Michael Owen, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda are all available to Ferguson this season and have all made an impression in pre-season, each finding the back of the net.

Berbatov has had his critics in the past but, after winning the golden boot last season despite not playing many matches, must has some influence on the team. Every striker has their own style and, although the former Tottenham striker looks to lack enthusiasm and work-rate compared to Rooney and Hernandez, he has vision and skill.

The Bulgarian makes things happen and is always thinking one step ahead which he uses to his advantage. As for Hernandez, he had a massive season in his first experience of Premier League football. He is a defenders nightmare and plays on the last man perfectly.

What he does have, is the pace and finishing to make teams pay and he always looks to be thinking about his next move. With age on his side, the Mexican is sure to be a legend at Old Trafford in future years.

Those looking at football betting tips will tell you that Owen is the ultimate professional, who is needed to pass on his experience to his fellow emerging frontmen. The former England striker is the perfect finisher and his pre-season strike against Barcelona backs that theory up. He is the new Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the super sub, and is certain to score more than he misses.

The jury is obviously still out on Macheda and Welbeck due to their limited chances in the United first-team to date. However, Ferguson obviously believes in the pair otherwise he would have sold them when clubs came calling. Welbeck has pace and power, which he showed on loan at Sunderland last season, while Macheda provided us with glimpses of brilliance with the winner against Aston Villa which all-but sealed the title two seasons ago.

And last but not least, Rooney is all of the above in one. He is the heartbeat of the United frontline and has all the attributes to continue to be one of the best strikers in the world. He is strong, pacey, enthusiastic, cool under pressure and has the brilliance to become the matchwinner, like his overhead kick that won the Manchester derby last season proved.

It’s hard to mention something that hasn’t been said about Rooney in the past and Ferguson desperately knew he had to persuade the former Everton attacker to stay at Old Trafford after he showed a desire to leave.

United attacking forces are all going to be fighting for places this season but, whatever pairing Ferguson picks, he knows what he is getting and what each have to offer.